The Changing Face of the Work Place

John Krautzel
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There is no doubt that the work environment is changing, and that means professionals have to adapt the way they work. Technology is playing an increasingly sophisticated role in the workplace, allowing employees in many sectors to improve their productivity and enjoy a work environment that is better organized and connected.

There are three key technologies that are having a big impact on the modern work environment. These technologies are changing the roles of workers, as well as having an impact on how businesses manufacture products and communicate with their clients and employees.

The most obvious change is that the work environment is expanding far beyond the traditional office. Mobile computing allows employees to maintain normal productivity levels while traveling, working from home or performing site visits. Smartphones allow employees to stay in touch with their organizations at all times by allowing employees to access to emails and web pages. Tablets allow employees to work even more effectively, as productivity software, such as a stripped-down, mobile version of Microsoft Office, can be installed and used on a tablet. With access to mobile Internet improving all the time, there is almost no location that cannot become part of the work environment.

In combination with mobile computing, cloud computing is another important technology that is changing the work environment. Cloud computing allows organizations to store their data on secure cloud servers, rather than needing to maintain their own on-site servers. Cloud computing also allows organizations to pay to use cloud-based software, rather than having to buy, install and maintain their own software packages. As a result, businesses enjoy greater flexibility due to the lower upfront costs of investing in computing technologies. The roles of IT professionals are also changing in response to the adoption of cloud computing.

In the manufacturing industry, 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is making waves. This young manufacturing technology has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing processes. Whereas traditional production lines take a long time and a lot of investment to set up, additive manufacturing can be used to quickly create small batches or highly customized products. Additive manufacturing also reduces the labor requirements of manufacturing, compared to traditional factories. As a result, manufacturing jobs are likely to become less hands-on. Instead, they will demand different skills, such as computer-aided design. Many experts predict that 3D printing will revolutionize many aspects of the manufacturing industry, including the work environment.

Technology is driving rapid evolution of work environment. From offices to factories, all types of work environments are being affected by technologies that improve productivity, facilitate communication and increase the flexibility of businesses to respond to new trends. In order to thrive in the modern work environment, employees also need to be flexible, adaptable and open to new ideas.

 

Photo courtesy of jscreationzs at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


 

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